Famous Bulgarian Poet Continues Anti-Govt Hunger Strike Despite Fears

Prominent Bulgarian poet Edvin Sugarev has once again refused to end his anti-government hunger strike, despite fears that his health would deteriorate considerably.

Sugarev, a former lawmaker, has now been on a hunger strike for 21 days.

A number of respected Bulgarian intellectuals have written a letter to Mr. Sugarev and to photographer Nikolay Genov, who is also on a hunger strike, asking them to stop.

“I thank them for being concerned, but I could not stop the hunger strike,” Sugarev told Btv on Tuesday.

“Needless to say, life is more important, but there are times in history where it is the opposite: when precisely such a drastic action is necessary so that the voice of the people can be heard and the absurdity of the situation in Bulgaria can be seen,” he explained.

The poet said his health condition was “not very good”, adding that his children and relatives have been trying to convince him to quit the hunger strike.

The series of anti-government protests in Bulgaria was triggered by the scandalous appointment of controversial media mogul Delyan Peevski as Chair of the State Agency for National Security (DANS) on June 14.

Although the appointment was revoked, Bulgarians went on to demand that the cabinet of PM Plamen Oresharski resign collectively.